Explosively actuated tool



Nov. 17, 1942. R. TEMPLE 7 2,302,547

EXPLOSIVELY ACTUATED vTOOL Filed Aug. 13, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet l Emu-aw.INVENTOR.

ROBERT TENPL E ATTORNEY.

No 17, I942. R. TEMPLE 2,302,647

E'JKILOSIVEJJY ACTUATED TOOL Filed Aug. 13, 1941 2 She ets-Sheet 2 $527,1mun Wm",$3; INVENTOR.

ROBERT TEMPLE ATTORNEK Patented Nov. 17', 1942 EXPLOSIVELY ACTUATED TOOLRobert Temple, Swissvalc, Pa., asslgnor to Robert Temple, Ina, Denver,Colo.

Application August 13, 1941, Serial No. 406,650

6 Claims.

an explosively actuated tool of the type described in United StatesPatents Nos. 1,365,869 and 1,365,870, which can be practically andsuccessfully operated at considerable distances from the operator suchas are encountered in the revetment program carried on in protectingbanks and beds or under water surfaces of rivers or streams or othermoving waters from erosion, It isthe practice in this'work to lowermattresses of reinforced asphalt material in sections of largehorizontal dimensions to cover an appreciable surface area and operateas a protective coating for the bed surface. surface sections ofcovering are necessarily formed fragmentarily because of their immensesize, and ordinarily an operation is started from the bank and continuedoutwardly into the water until the requisite distance has been reachedfrom 25 the bank. The covering material has little strength andreinforcing cables are embedded in the material and extend throughoutthe length of a mattress or section. Because of the fragmentary methodof assembly of an entire mattress, a portion being completed on a bargemust be lowered carefully in place and this is done by using thereinforcing cables as launching cables. After the last portion of amattress section is made and lowered in place, the cables reaching tothe barge are cut at. the barge and the loose ends allowed to find theirown places of rest on the surface bed. This practice, as is obvious, isvery wasteful of reinforcing cable ma terial because the lengthextending from the last portion of asphalt lowered to the barge servesno purpose otherlthan positioning. Should the waters above move swiftly,the loose end sections of the cable in settling to the bed surface maydislodge the located mattress. Any mechanical 45 apparatus for cuttingthe cables at the mattress end must be operated at the place of cuttingand for practical reasons this alternative has not been resorted to eventhough cutting at the barge has increased the expense of. materials usedand has presented a problem in anchoring the mass of material to thesurf-ace.

It is an object of this invention to provide an electrically operableexplosively actuated tool These large 20 at distances encountered in theprogram considered.

In the operation of an explosively actuated tool, a charge is set offagainst a projectile tool which is given sufficient momentum to severthe contacted portion when the cable is adequately supported againstsome form of a die member. Or-'- dinarily, the problem of positioningand supporting the apparatus is of little consequence because of theaccess to the assembly at the place of operation. In the instantinvention, the positioning and supporting of the apparatus presented aserious problem especially because of the elements to beconfrontedandthe remote method of operation which must be employed inorder to render the apparatus of any commercial value.

It is a further and more specific object of this invention to provide anunderwater operable explosively actuated tool having means for loweringand supporting the apparatus in operative relationship with the cable,and which is simple, in-

. in my invention and is illustrated in the drawings in which: a

Fig, 1 is a side elevational view of the embodiment with the outer frameshown in section for the purpose of showing clearly the operatingelements;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the embodiment taken along the line 2-2 ofFig. 1;

, Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of the embodiment;

40 used in the embodiment; and

Fig, 6 is a detail view of the firing pin and an electrical conductorattachment.

The embodiment illustrated is a device for severing cables and has beenand is now being successfully used in cutting cables underwaterat depthsgreatly in excess of 100 feet and due to the simplicity of the apparatuslittle skill is required to satisfactorily operate it for severing acable at a considerable depth from a position above the water.Furthermore, performance of the cutting operation, including loweringand raising the apparatus, can be done in less than one minute. Sinceeach section of a mattress contains -many cables, a short time intervalfor cutting which can be used for cutting cables underwater becomes afactor of m h i p r a n ermining the expense of the project. The size ofcable used in the project is less than one inch in diameter although.this particular size does not determine the range of usefulness of theinvention. I

Referring to the drawings, a C-frame I is made of a suitable material towhich a barrel 3 is pivotally supported onto one leg portion of theframe. This -barrel3 contains a passage 4 extending through the lengthand arranged to engage the surface of a cartridge and projectileassembly 5 to be inserted in the passage. A quick acting breechmechanism 8 is attached to the barrel by means of pins 1 threaded to thebarrel. The breech is bifurcated in shape and each of its legs Ilia isrounded at its end as illustrated in Fig. 1 in order to facilitate theopening and closing of the breech with reference to the passage 4 of thebarrel. The breech, when closed, remains securelyin position and is notdisturbed by any outer forces such as may be applied in underwateroperation. Fig. 1 shows the movement of the breech in changing from anopen position illustrated in dotted lines to the closed firi positionillustrated in full.

A feature of this invention is that the explosively actuated tool isenergized by means of connecting the tool to a source of electricalpower, and the construction and arrangement of parts is such that itinsures continuous electrical contact under the circumstances consideredand the device remains subject to control by means ofa circuitinterrupter, not illustrated, at the location of the operator. movablehollow central portion 9 threaded to the bifurcated portion and arrangedto accommodate and support a firing contactor pin Ill supported vent orretard engagement of the projectile with the cable.

Another feature of this invention is that the cartridge and projectileassembly, Fig. 4, is electrically energizable and is unaffected by deepwater conditions. A powder shell or case of the cartridge contains aninner powder chamber 3| with a closed end having an extending shoulderor flange 33. The other end portion 32 is shaped to engage a peripheralgroove 35 of the projectile 2|. The groove is positioned a distance fromthe end of the projectile and the end portion 34 between the groove andthe end of the projectile provides a sealing surface which, inconjunction with the connection at the groove, provides an adequatemeans of engagement for the shell or case in order to sealthe powderchamber against gagement of the shell and projectile which are sealedtogether by means of a coating of litharge between the surfaces. Thecentral part of the cartridge end portion of the projectile is hollow toreceive the end of a coiled wire resistance unit The breech includes arewithin the central portion and insulated by means of a rubber sleevel2 and mica washers l3. This pin, illustrated in detail in Fig. 6,engages "the primary contactor of the cartridge at its inner end. Thepin at its other end has a groove Illa about its periphery forattachment of an electrical conductor IS. A detail of this attachment isnot illustrated because of the fact that it is one commerciallyavailable in the market and does not constitute a part of this inventionexcept for showing a q ck detachable connection of a conductor to th pinas a part of an operative embodiment.

In alignment with the passage 4 of the barrel is a die member II whichis supported by the C- of an insulating washer 40 held between the headof the pin and the shell and a passage of current applied to the pin istransferred to the' resistance coil and to the projectile where it isgrounded to the frame of the apparatus because of the en-' gagement ofthe surface of the projectile with the inner wall of the barrelthatdeflnes the passage 4. With this arrangement the wall surface of thepassage and the projectile must engage sufficiently to insure acontinuous electrical contact. However, the engagement should not be toomuch to bind the projectile to the extent that it is restricted greatlyin movement. Also this engagement serves a purpose of preventing theescape of expanding explosive gases and improves the efllciency ofoperation of the apparatus by frame and which has a vertical passage I8I passage of the barrel for receiving ,a projectile or cutting tool 2!which is the operating tool that cuts the cable in cooperation with thesupport of the die member and its operating edge defined by theintercept of the horizontal and vertical passageways. The C-frame isconstructed to provide an opening 24 extending beyond the die member andis preferablyof a length to ac-' commodate the projectile and cableportion severed in order that they are removed from the apparatusbytheir own weight. For underwater purposes, itis advisable to include alateral opening 26 extending from one side of the frame to the other andconnected to the horizontal passage 4 of the barrel in order to releasewater from the passage uponfirin'g of ,the projectile. In other words,unless this opening be provided,

water may accumulate in the passage and preutilizing substantiallycompletely the force avaiiable by the expanding gases. Energizing thecoil provides the necessaryheat or energy to ignite thegun cotton placedadjacent to the projectile and illustrated for setting off the explosivepowder in the'rear part of the powder shell. The force of explosiontears the projectile away from the powder case and forces the forwardend of the projectile against the cable A. This force is sufllcient tosever the cable by the cooperative action of the operative edge of thedie and the moving projectile.

The attachment of the projectile to the powder case is sufdcient to actas a form of a retarding means'for the projectile in combination withthe support provided by the extending flange 33. This restriction tomovement of the projectile builds up a pressure in the expansion of theexplosion gases'before the attachment of the projectile to the shell isbroken that is suflicient to propel the projectile at a velocitysuflicient to sever the cable in cooperation with a suitable die means.Since the actual distance of passage of the projectile before engagingthe cable is relatively short in moving from its normal startingposition to the point where it engages the cable in the embodi- The pindesirable for practical purposes.

Since this apparatus is to be positioned .by

V passing the apparatus along the surface of the cable to be severed, itis advisable and preferred to incorporate a cable guide 45 which in theembodiment has a lower base end shaped to conform to the outer surfaceof the C-frame and is attached by means of screws 45a threaded to thematerial of the frame. This guide extends upwardly and the upperhorizontal extent 46 is shaped inwardly to partially encircle a cable.After the cable is in position within the upper extent, a lock pin 41retains it in a loose manner to permit the apparatus to easily slidealong the cable surface. With this arrangement, the cable is maintainedin sliding engagementat this location and as it passes between the diemember and the barrel.

Also attached to the upper extent of the guide is an electricalconnector 50. The circuit energizing the cartridge is grounded to theframe as previously described through the projectile although it may bethrough any part of the car-A tridge and projectile assembly, and the.return circuit is made by means of the conductor i6 attached to theframe at this point. This conductor is attached by means of theconnector 50 which is threaded to the guide and is of a constructionavailable to the trade and does not constitute a part of this inventionexcept as it forms a part of the combination of the embodiment. Sincethe connector type illustrated has proven so well adapted to thepurpose, it will be described in order to give a complete description ofthe operative apparatus. The type of connector is of a readilydeinountable type to allow ready engagement and disengagement, as wellas to allow the conductor I6, which is a stranded cable, to move withinthe connector except as restrained slightly by the spring 50a. Thesleeve b carries the tension block 500 by means of a I pin 50d whichnioves along a longitudinal slot 50c formedin the wall of the body ofthe connector 50. By movement of the sleeve 50b away from the abutmentof the body of the connector, the opening on the side of the body, notshown, is freed to release the ball end of the conductor from theconnector. The end of the conductor Ii is of a ball like surface thatengages a similar surface of the body of the connector and the tensionblock and allows somewhat-free movethe barrel has a suitable flanged endto engagea shoulder of the barrel and is held. in place when the breechis brought into operating position by the inner end surface of thebreech engaging the outer surface of the flange of the cartridge. Also,the inner hollow portion 9 of the breech has a sloped edge which engagesa complementary surface of the barrel and is adapparatus.

justable by means of the threaded connection of the'bifurcated body ofthe breech. Drawing the portion 9 up tightly against the barrel holds itin place for operation, while withdrawal of the inner portion of thebreech from the barrel releases the bifurcated portion of the breech andallows it to be swung to an open position. The construction of thecartridge makes it unaffected by any forces that might be present suchas water pressure or any effects of lowering the apparatus to itsdesired location. Movement of the breech to its operating position formsan'electrical contact with the cartridge and the contactor pin I0 and acomplete circuit is formed through the apparatus including theresistance coil 38 subject to control by connecting the conductors l5and iii to a source of power not illustrated. The apparatus is thenlowered along the cable and is supported by means of the conductors.

Since considerable stress may be applied to the conductors, it isnecessary to use some form of conductor construction assembly that isadequate to resist the potential stresses. It has been found that asteel stranded cable serving as aground or return current conductor l6supplies the necessary strength to support the apparatus while lowering.In conjunction with this steel core, a live current conductor [5supported thereon which is insulated appropriately from the steel coreencircles the core to provide an outer sheath about the core. The liveconductor is then protected by means of an outer insulation. It isadvisable to arrange the live wire conductor l5 so that it absorbslittle stress in supporting the This can be provided by allowing for alittle slacking in that portion of the conductor between the engagementto the assembly with the return conductor I6 and its connection to theapparatus. The actual connection of the conductor i5 to the compositeassembly of both conductors may be merely by attaching a sleeveencircling connector which is properly attached to the-sheath of theassembly.

From this description,'it is believed to be obvious that the apparatusmakes possible the cutting of cables at considerable distances from thelocation of the operator and that it is performed when the apparatus isin position by merely closing a circuit which energizes the ignitioncoil that sets off a charge which propels a projectile against the diemember to sever the localized position of the cable. The apparatus isdesigned particularly to operate under water and it has beenadvantageously applied for this purpose.

According to the provisions of the patent statutes, I have explained theprinciple and mode of operation of my invention, and have illustratedand described its best embodiment at this time. However, I desire tohave it understood that'within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustratedand described.

I claim:

1. An explosively actuated tool comprising a support member, abarrelmember carried by the support .member and having a passage, acartridge positioned within the passage and including a body containingan explosive charge and receiving a projectile, the body engaging thewall surface defining the passage to form an electrical contact,.anignition coil within the cartridge body and terminating in a contactorwithout the cartridge, a closure member carried by the barrel member andhaving a contactor engageable when placed in operating position with thecontactor of (the cartridge to energize the ignition coil of thecartridge, a circuit means to be connected to a source of power andconnected to the contactor of the closure member and to the barrelmember to form a circuit including the ignition coil of the cartridge, aretarding means for the projectile, and a die member mounted on to thesupport member in alignment with the passage of the barrel andinterposed in the travel of the projectile discharged from the barrelmember so as to be in operative relation therewith.

2. An explosively actuated tool comprising a support member having anextending opening, a die member carried by the support member andpositioned in alignment with the opening, a barrel member pivotallyconnected to one end of the support member and having a passage inalignment with the die member when disposed in operating position, thepassage of the barrel member accommodating a work member projectile andan explosive charge, a cartridge in- 7 cluding an explosive charge and awork member projectile, an ignition primer within the cartridge andterminating without in a contactor, a closure member pivotally mountedonto the .barrel member, an electrical contactor carried by the closuremember and disposed in electrical engagement with the contactor of theelectrically energizable ignition primer when the closure member isplaced in operating position, a retard- 3. An explosively actuated toolcomprising asupport having a passage opened on one side to releasedischarged projectiles, a pivotally mounted barrel member carried by thesupportand having an opening disposable in alignment with the passage ofthe support member and accommodating a cartridge including a projectileand with the confining wall surface of the passage being of such size toengage the cartridge to make an electrical contact, a die member carriedby the support and positioned in alignment with the openings of thesupport and barrel member, a breech closure member, the closure memberhavinga contactor, a cartridge including a projectile and containing anexplosive charge and a primer coil terminating in a contactor engageablewith the contactor of the closure member when the closure member isdisposed in normal operating position, the other end of the coilbeinggrounded to the surface of the cartridge, and a circuit means to beconnected to asource of power and connected to the contactor of theclosure member and to the barrel member to energize the primer coil forigniting the explosive charge to discharge the projectile into operativerelation with the die member.

4. An explosively actuated tool capable of operating as an underwatercable cutter comprising a support having an opening through which thecable passes, a barrel member pivotally carried by the support memberand having a horizontal passageway to accommodate a cartridge includinga work member projectile and of such size that the confining wallsurface of the passage makes an electrical contact with the cartridge, adie member 'for the work member mounted on to the support inoperativerelation to the cable in the opening of the support and in alignmentwith the passageway of the barrel member, the cooperative action of thedie member and discharged projectile being effective to sever the cableinterposed in the path of travel of the projectile, the support memberhaving a passageway beyond the die member to receive the dischargedprojectile, a breech closure member carrying a contactor, acartridge'including a work member projectile and containing an explosivecharge and ignited by means of an electrically energized coil, anignition coil, one end of the coil terminating in a contactor at therearward end of the cartridge and insulated from the cartridge shell andthe other end being grounded to the cartridge shell, the contactor ofthe closure member being arranged to engage the contact of the cartridgewhen the closure member is placed in normal operating position, a sourceof power, a circuit means connected to a source of power and to thecontactor of the closure member and the barrel member to energize meansfor controlling. the ignitiontof the explosive charge and discharge ofthe projectile into operative relation with the die member to sever thecable.

5. An explosively actuated tool capable of operating as an underwatercable cutter comprising a C-shaped member containing a centrallongitudinal opening intermediate its top and bottom surfaces with theinward portion of the opening extending to the bottom surface fordischarging a used work projectile, an upstanding guide member attachedto the C-shaped member, adie member supported by the frame member andinalignment with the opening, a barrel member pivotally connected to oneleg of the frame member and having a horizontal bore extendinglongitudinally thereof and disposable when in operating position inalignment, with the die member, a transverse cable passageway betweenthe barrel and die member, the bore accommodating a cartridge includinga work projectile and an explosive charge and having -a lateral openingto relieve fluid entering the passage, a cartridge including a body, aprojectile, an explosive charge and an ignition unit terminating in acontactor without the cartridge, the cooperative action of the diemember and discharged projectile being effective to sever a cableinterposed in the path of travel of the projectile, the wall surfacedefining the passage of the barrel member engagingthe body of thecartridge sumciently to make an electrical contact, a breech memberpivotally connected to the barrel member, a contactor carried by thebreech member and 'arranged to engage the contactor of the electricallyenergizable ignition unit of the cartridge when placed in operativeposition, a circuit means to be connected to a source of power andconnected to the contactor of the breech member and to the barrel memberfor forming a circuit including i the ignltionunit of the cartridge, anda circuit interrupting means for controlling the ignition of theexplosive charge of the cartridge to discharge the work member intooperative relation with the die member.

6. An explosively actuated tool capable of op--- eratingas an underwatercable cutter and including a C-shaped frame member containing ahorizontal longitudinal opening intermediate its top and bottom surfacesand the inward portion extending to the bottom surface for discharging aused projectile, a die member, the opposite portion of the openingaccommodating the die member positioned in an operating relationrelative to gitudinally thereof and disposable in alignment with the diemember and having a lateral opening to relieve fluid entering thepassage, the bore accommodating a, cartridge including a work memberprojectile, a transverse cable passageway between the barrel and diemembers and in alignment with the cable guide member, a breach memberpivotally connected to the barrel member and carrying a contactor toengage a contactor of the cartridge when in operating position, acartridge including a projectile and an explosive charge and having anoutward contactor insulated from the cartridge, an electrical- 1yenergizable ignition coil within the cartridge and in operative relationwith the charge and having one end electrically connected to thecontactor of the cartridge and the other end grounded to the cartridge,9. source of power, a

circuit means connected to the source of power and to the contactor ofthe breech member and to the barrel member for forming a circuitincluding the coil of the cartridge comprising a two-wire conductorinsulated from each other, one of the wires being a central strong metalwire element serving as a return conductor and attached to the guidemember, the other wire serving as a current carrying conductor andconnected directly to the contactor of the breech member, the returnconductor being arranged to serve as a supporting means for the framemember in positioning the member underwater in a desired location alongthe vertically suspended cable, the current carrying conductor beingloosely arranged and separate from the return cable for a short distancebefore connecting to the breech member so that the tool is supportedsubstantially from the return conductor, a retarding means for theprojectile, and a circuit interrupting means for controlling theenergization of the ignition coil and the discharge of the projectileinto working relation with the die member to sever the cable at thepositioned location.

1 ROBERT TEMPLE.

